A MAN who spent 31 years as a police officer in Huddersfield has died.

Former inspector John Cheslett, better known as Jack, served the town over three decades.

And he continued to do public work after he retired from the force - serving as an official at Huddersfield Magistrates' Court.

Mr Cheslett died, aged 89, at the Newsome Nursing Home in Almondbury.

He was a native of Stockport, but it was in Huddersfield that he decided to become a police officer, signing up with the former Huddersfield Borough Force in 1938.

The first few years saw him on the beat in various parts of the town before he secured a move to CID and became a detective in 1944. In 1951 he reverted back to patrol duties as a sergeant and in 1960 moved back into CID.

His final promotion, to inspector, came in 1963, and he retired in 1969.

During his distinguished career he received three commendations.

For many years he was a member of the police's swimming club.

He was also a member of the Slaithwaite Angling Club for more than 30 years and a member of the Police Angling Club..